Apparatus for control of machine tools



July 6, 1937. c. A. BICKEL 2,086,153

APPARATUS FOR CONTROL OF MACHINE TOOLS Filed Feb. 3, 1932 6 Sheets-Sheet l A TTORNE Y6 July 6, 1937. c. A. BICKEL APPARATUS FOR CONTROL OF MACHINE TOOLS Filed Feb. 3, 1932 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 July 6, 1937.

c. A. BICKEL APPARATOS FOR CONTROL OF MACHINE TOOLS Filed Feb. 3, 1932 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 1 TTORNE K? July 6, 1937. c. A. BICKEL APPARATUS FOR CONTROL OF MACHINE TOOLS Filed Feb. 5, 1932 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 YW) A- TTOR/VE K5 .Eufly 1937 c. A. BICKEL APPARATUS FOR CONTROL OF MACHINE TOOLS Filed Feb. 5, 1952 6 Shegts-Sheet 5 w/NVENTOR July 6, 1937. c. A. BICKEL APPARATUS FOR CONTROL OF MACHINE TOOLS 3.962 6 SheeRs-Sheet 6 Filed Fab. 3,

Patented July 6, 1937 APPARATUS FOR CONTROL or MACHINE TOOLS Clifford A. Bickel, Sidney, Ohio, assignor to The Monarch Machine Tool Company,

Sidney,

Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application February 3, 1932, Serial "No. 590,666

20 Claims. (01.82-14) My invention relates to an electric apparatus and method and electric circuit for controlling machine tools, such as lathes, so as to cause the tool of the lathe to impart a given configuration to the work in accordance with the predetermined design which is used as the master controlling means for controlling the electric circuit that, in turn, controls the lathe.

It is my object to provide such circuit apparatus and practice a method in which I utilize apparatus of the same general character set forth in my copending application, Serial No. 583,570, filed December 28, 1931, in which there is a lathe having a motorior imparting longitudinal movement to the tool, a motor for imparting transverse movement to the tool and a system of magnetic clutches controlled by the electric circuit for alternately operating the motors to cause the tool supported on the carriage so moved by the motors to follow a predetermined configuration and to impart that configuration to the work.

As set forth in that application and as fully shown herein, I use a follower pin engaging with a template, but, in the present application, I have 35 developed a novel system of control through the medium of light sensitive cells, thereby eliminating a switch mechanism and associated parts and making it possible to get an accuracy and responsiveness of control heretofore impossible with merely mechanical and electrical switches.

In particular, it is my object to provide a mechanism responsive to a template form which will so regulate the application of light to. a series of light sensitive cells which are connected in circuit respectively to the respective actuating circuits for imparting different movements through the motors to the tool carrying mechanism so that, according to the light sensitive cell selected by the beam of light, I select the motor circuit and energize it which, in turn, imparts a given movement to the tool or a given tool, if a plurality of tools are employed, thereby making it possible with a single control mechanism to impart a variety of movements to a single tool or 5 a variety of movements to a plurality of tools, or independent movements to independent tools.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the lathe;

Figure 2 is a top plan view;

Figure 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is an electrical wiring diagram showing the electrical connections and associated mechanism for the practice of my invention;

, Figure 5 -is a detail wiring diagram of the specific photoelectric cell control;

Figure 6 is a vertical sectionfthrough the follower pin, template and one form of mechanism for controlling the application of light beams to a series of light sensitive cells;

Figure 7 is a modification of Figure 6 showing the use of a mirror typepof control;

Figure 8 'is a top plan view of Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a top plan view of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is an end elevation of the tracer pin casing and template.

A indicates the legs of the tool having a pan B, a head stock C, atail stock D, a carriage E tool F and work piece G.

Referring to the left hand side of Figure 4, 1 indicates the positive side of a supply line which is connected to the main switch 2 on the outgoing side of which is the wire 3 which is connected to the positive terminal 4 of the main panel 5 which has a button switch connecting the terminal 4 with the terminal 6 of the line I. This line I is connected at 8 to the line 9 which leads to the terminal 10 which, in turn, is connected by the wire II to the terminal I3 which carries a contact member l4 of a split relay having the contact member l5 which is connected by the wire Hi to the terminal IT. This terminal IT in turn is connected by the wire l8 to the terminal l9 which is connected to the wire 20 that terminates in the terminal 2| of the switch board panel 22 which is connected by a switch 25 to the line 26, terminal 21, line 28 and terminal 29 through a switch 30 to the line 3| of the contact plate 32.

From the switch panel 22 there makes its exit from the terminal 33, whichis connected by a switch 33a to the terminal 21 through a wire 34 through the contact plate 35. The switch panel 22 is called a directional switch panel. The negative side of the incoming circuit isiconnected to the main supply line wire 36 which, in turn, is connected to the switch 2 ad makes its exit throughthe line 31 terminating at the terminal 38. A wire 39 leads from the terminal 38 to the terminal 40 to a terminal board 4|. Connected to the terminal ,40 is the wire 42 which terminates at 43 which is one end of a field 44 of the transverse motor 45, the other endoi the field being connected'by the wire 46 to theterminal '41 which isin turn connected tothe wire 48. The other field of the motor 49jis connected 'on one side by the "wire 50 to the terminal 5| on the board and on the other side by the wire 52 to'the terminal 53 on the board. .From the terminal 40 a wire 54' proceeds to the terminal 55 which in' turn is connected by the wire 56 to one side of themagnetic clutch 51 which controls the out movement of the cross slide mounted on the carriage. The other side of this magnetic clutch is connected by the wire 58 to the terminal 59. The terminal 55 is connected by the wire 60 to the magnetic clutch 6I which is the clutch used for imparting the inward movement of the I cross slide. The other side of this clutch is connected by the wire 62 to the terminal 63 on the board 4|. The terminal 63 is connected by the wire 64 into the condenser 65 which, in turn, is connected by the wire 66 to the terminal 55. The condenser 61 is. connected to the wire 68 to the terminal 55 and on the other side to the wire 69 to the terminal 59.

- Theterminal 63 is connected by the wire 10 to contact plate H. The terminal 59, which is connected by the out" magnetic clutch, has awire 12 which is connected to the contact plate 13.

A reversing contact drum is provided whichhas the moving contact members 14, 15, 16, and 1 1. It also is provided with the contact members 18, 19, 80, 8I, 82, and 83. 18 and 8| are connected by the wire 84. 88 and 83 are connected by the wire 84a. By rotation of a drum carrying these movable contacts, the contact members 32, 13, 85, and 86 may be put in circuit, and the contact members 81, 88, 35, and Ham also put in circuit. Contact member 81 is connected to the wire 88 contactor 16 to one side of the single relay 89 having the relay member 90 connected to the terminal 9I. Likewise, a contact member 86 is connected by the line 92 to the single relay 93 having the movable member 94 connected to the terminal 95. The terminals SI and 95 are connected to the wires 96.

The function of this drum switch mechanism is for a conversion of the circuits from primary longitudinal to primary transverse, or vice versa, that is, if the work is going to be mainly longitudinal, then the contacts will be in the position as shown on the right hand, and, if it is mainly transverse, it will be the contacts shown in hatched lines on the left hand. The wire 91 connects the terminal 95 to the terminal I3. Likewise, the wire 98 connects the terminal 9I to the terminal 99 which in turn is connected through the wire I to the field relay IOI. IOI is a field relay of the transverse motor 45.

One side of this field relay, marked I02, is connected to the terminal I03 and, in turn, to the wire 48. The out-going wire I04 is connected to the terminal I05 and thence through the wire I06 to the terminal 53. The terminal 99 is connected by the wire I01 to the field relay I08 of the longitudinal motor. This is connected by the wire I09 to the wire I I0, the terminal III, thence through the wire II2 to the terminal II3, wire II4, field II5 of the longitudinal motor II6, the other side of such field being connected to the wire II1, the terminal I I8, wire H9 to terminal I20, thence by wire I2I to terminal I22, wire I23 and relay I08.

Returning to the longitudinal motor, the other field I22 is connected by the wire I23 to the terminal I24 and line I25 which terminates in terminal I26 which in turn is connected by a wire I21 to a longitudinal rheostat I28, the other side of which is connected to the wire I29 to the terminal I20 to the wire H9. The other side of the field I22 is connected by the wire I30 to terminal 38. The longitudinal motor magnetic clutches provide for right and left hand movement depending upon which one isenergized. Accordingly, I3I indicates the right hand magnetic clutch which is connected on one side by the wire I32 to the terminal I33. On the other hand, it is connected by the wire I34 to the terminal I35. A wire I36 is connected to the contact plate 88. The terminal I33 is connected by the wire I31, a condenser I38 which in turn is connected by the wire I39 to the terminal I40. The terminal I40 is connected by the wire I to the contact plate 85. The wire I42 leadsfrom the terminal I35 to the condenser I43, theother side of which is con- I nected to the wire I44 to the terminal I33. The

wire I45 leads from the terminal I33 to the left hand magnetic clutch I46 that is connected by the wire I41 on its other side to the terminal I40. The wire I48 feeds the opposite side of the dynamotor I49, the negative side of which is connected by the wire I50 to the L-post 38. This provides the circuit for the motor side of the dynamotor, or the 110-volt circuit that is converted through the dynamotor to 14 volts. The generator side of the dynamotor is connected at I5I. Its positive side at I52 is connected to the wire I53 which terminates at I54 where a switch I55 connects to the line I56 that terminates in the terminal I51 and is thence connected by the wire I58 to terminal I59 to wire I60 to terminal I 6I which has a supplementary terminal post I62.

The negative side of the generator is I63 which is connected to I64 thence by wireI65 to the ground I66. The terminal I64 is connected by wire I61 to volt meter I68 which in turn is connected by the wire I69 to the line I53. The transverse motor rheostat I10 is connected on one side by a wire "I to terminal I12 which in turn is connected by wire I12a to relay IOI. The other side is connected by wire I1Ia to terminal I03 and thence by wire I13 to terminal I14 that in turn is connected by the wire I02 01 the field relay IN.

The tracer switch I15 connects the line I16 to terminal I11which is connected by a switch I18 to line I 19 which is connected to terminal I which in turn is connected to wire I8I terminating in I82. I83 is the relay coil which connects terminals I82 and I62. I84 is the coil which connects the terminals I6I and I85. The line I86 connected to the terminal I leads to the terinto which is connected the wire I93. The wire I94 is connected to the terminal I95 to wire I96 and terminates at I91 on the switch panel and is connected by a switch I98 to a wire I99 that terminates at I81. From thence wire I86 proceeds to terminal I85.

Lines I and 36 are being supplied with -volt D. C. current. Lines 20I and 202 are supplied with 110-volt A. C. current (Figure 5). In this circuit is connected the primary of a transformer 203. The line I93 or I94 is connected to a sensitive relay 204, the other side of which is connected to the line 205 which in turn is connected into the main system at I64.

The secondary of the transformer 206 is connected on one side by the wire 201 to the condenser 208 and thence to the coil 209 of the sensitive relay 204 back by the wire 2I0 to the wire 201. Between the condenser 208 and coil 209 is connected the wire 2I I to the movable contact member 2I2 of the variable-resistance 2I3 which is connected by the wire 2" to the grid glow-tube-2I5, the other side of which is connected by the line '2I8 tothe transformer winding 288.

Connected across wires 2I8 and 2i 1. is the control instrument generally designated2i8 (Figures 6 to 10). 2i9 and 228 indicate a resistance and condenser for the grid glow tube.

To the wires 2i and 2" are connected a light sensitive photoelectric tube 22 I. Another tube :32 may be connected through wires 223 and 224 mechanism similar to that described in Figure 6 which is connected by the wire I94 to the wire I93. The photoelectric cell'22l and its associated circuit controls transverse tool movement. Photoelectric cell 222 controls longitudinal movement. Between these cells is a light source 225 supplied with current from the wires 228 and 221. The light source is encased in a casing 228 having apertures 229 and 238 which are about /1000ths in the clear. Around this casing 228 is a helical spring 23I which engages witha reciprocating shutter 232 that slides over the surface of the enclosure 228 and has corresponding apertures 233 and 234. This shutter is moved by the rocking follower pin 235, the head of which 239 supports the shutter 232.

The rocking pin is supported for its rocking movement on the ball bearings 231 carried in the depending sleeve 238 of the housing 2I8.

The lower end of the pin carries a chuck 239,

for carrying a tracer pin 243 which rides against,

235. The light impinging upon the mirror is reflected through the lens 249 on to the photoelectric tube 22I or 222..

Method of operation The method of operation is as follows: A template of a form to which it is desired to cut the work is provided as at 24I. The workis positioned in the machine and is rotated in the usual manner. The tool is brought into working position and simultaneously the follower pin 249 comes in contact with the template.

When this each the electric circuit has been closed by having already plugged in wire I93 into the circuit and relay 284 being closed having been energized and the circuit having been actuated through the light source passing its light through the apertures 239 and 234 to the cell 22I which in turn completes the circuit and causes the "in relay coil I90 to close the relay switch member 94 closing relay I90. This allows current to pass hrough 93 and 94. contact 86-40, wire 84, contact 83-1I, wire 1Ii, terminal 63 to in magnet 8i, relay I83 and.l88 being open, and thereby energize the magnetic clutch Iii which connects the transverse motor 45 to the carriage of the tool and proceeds to move the tool transversely of the work into the work as the work rotates in order to give the proper depth of cut. This continues until the tracer pin 240 comes in contact with the template 24I to thereby move the shutter 232 to cut off the light from the cell 22I. This closthe grid glow tube by the is set for transverse in movement by the clos- 3 ing of! of the light permits the relay I99 to open- I and servesto close the relay I4 with i9 so that the current moved through I3, I1, I8, terminal I9, 29, 2i, 28, 21, 28, 29, 3|, 32, contactor 19 to 85 through wire I to the left magnetic clutch '5 of the longitudinal motor causing longitudinal feeding to the leit to.wards the head stock, relays I99 and I88 being open, which continues until the template serves to move the follower pin out of the longitudinal path it is then traveling in 10 order to cause the transverse movement out or in. This would depend upon whether the template was cut awayfrom the work or to the work.

Assuming that the template was extending towards the .work and out" movement of the tool was desired in order to form the same configuration on the work as on the template, then the follower pin will move the shutter 232 so as to permit light to pass through the openings 229 and 233 to actuate the photoelectric cell 222 which in turn would result in closing the circuit to the transverse on magnetic-clutch 91 so that the motor 43 could move the tool out. This is done by line I94, I96, I91, I98, I99, and I81 and relay coil I88. actuating relay member 99 to 2 close it with 89 and also open actuating relay members I4 and I9 which allows the positive current toproceed through", 99, 99, ll, 98, 89,

88 to 81 theme by the cross over 8i to 18 and from 13 through the wires 12, I9, and 58 and clutch 31 which energizes the "out magneticclutch. If it is desired to re-tr'ace the path just indicated in the reverse direction, the directional switch is actuated so as to close the line between 33 and 21.

The combination consists essentially of a longitudinal motor with a magnetic clutch for driving the parts alternately right and left, a transverse motor driving the parts alternately with clutches in and out, a template and a 101- 40 lower pin, the follower pin controlling three conditions:

(l) The application of a light source to enersize a cell which will in turn actuate a circuit of the transverse motor for either in or out movement;

(2) Actuate a light source which controls the longitudinal motor for operating either right or left as the circuit may be set;

(3) And a neutral position where no light is issuing which permits the longitudinal motor to travel either right or left as it may be set..

For instance, photoelectric cell 22I will control the transverse in movement if the circuit ing of switch 30 connected to 29 and 3i, or it will control transverse movement out" if the switch closes 21 and 33. Either one of them will be in and the other out as to the switches. Then it will feed to the right constantly as energized. 0

Photoelectric cell 222, if MI is set to control in" movement, will control "out movement. or. if 22I is set for out movement, then 222 will'control in movement.

Longitudinal movement is controlled either to the right or to the left aecordingto the switch setting when the light source is darkened and is not acting upon the photoelectric cells and the transverse longitudinal motor H6 is functioning to move the'carriage either to the right or to the 7 left'depending upon the switch setting For instance, movement to the left by the longitudinal motor IIG is effected by actuating the left magnetic clutch I46 through closing theswitch 38 connecting 29 and 3i and the longitudinal motor will move the carriage to the right through the actuation of the magnetic clutch I when the switches'fl'andll are closed. t

It willbe understood that I desire to commahend within my invention such modifications as may be necessary to adapt it to varying conditions and uses.

Having thus fully described my invention,

what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is: I 1. In an apparatus for controlling the movement of a tool, a motor for imparting'transverse movement to the tool, a motor for transmitting longitudinal movement to the tool, a magnetic clutch for the longitudinal motor, two magnetic clutches for the transverse motor; a template, a follower pin; a light source, photo-electric tubes for controlling the transverse motor and the two magnetic clutches. associated therewith for imparting in and out transversemovement, a shutter operated by said template and follower pin controlling said light source as it is applied to said tubes; and an electric circuit including said magnetic clutches and tubes.

2. In an apparatus for controlling the move' tudinal motor adapted to move a tool longitudi-' nally of the work piece, a transverse motor adapted to move the tool to and Iromthe work piece, and means for controlling the inward and outward movement of the tool by the motor comprising an electric circuit for controlling the .in

movement of the tool by the motor and an electric circuit for controlling the out movement of the tool by the motor,'said circuits having light sensitive means therein, a light source, and means to control the application of' said light source according to the .form desired to be imparted to the work piece for admitting light from the light source to the light sensitive means in the respective circuits to alternately energize them.

4. In a machine for imparting a predetermined form to a work piece comprising a tool and a lathe supporting and rotating the work piece, a template of the form desired to be reproduced in the work piece, a follower pin, an electric motor for moving the tool relative to the work while the work rotates, an electric motor for moving the tool to and from the work, electric circuits adapted to alternately connect the motor to the tool to drive it to or from the work, light sensitive means in said circuits, a light source and means controlled by the followerpin for alternately admitting light from the light source to the light sensitive means according to the movement of the follower pin in engagement with the template.

5. In a machine for imparting a predetermined form to a work piece comprising a tool and a lathe supporting and rotating the workpiece, a template of the form desired to be reproduced in the work piece, a follower pin, an electric motor .for moving the tool relative to the work while the work rotates, an electric motor for moving the tool to and from the work, electric circuits adapted to alternately connect the motor to the tool to drive it to or from the work, light sensitive means in said'circuits, a light source and means controlled by the follower pin for alternately admitting lightjrom the light source to the light sensitive means according to the movement of the follower pin in engagement with the template, said follower pin having means to screen said light source entirelywhen the tool is being moved normally longitudinally of the work and no in and outmovement is being imparted to the tool. r

6; In a machine for turning a work piece comprising a tool adapted to be movedto and from a work piece and longitudinally oi. the work piece while the work piece is turning, a control means for moving said tool comprising a motor to drive it longitudinally of the work, a motor to move it to and from the work, electrically operated clutch means for alternately connecting the motor giving transverse movement to the tool or moving the tool to and from the work, and electric circuits in combination with said motor and clutch means, light sensitive means in said circuits for in and out movement of the tool, a light source, and means for controlling the operation of said circuits whereby the light source is covered when the longitudinal motor is moving the tool longitudinally of the work, and when the longitudinal motor is stopped the light source may be exposed to either of the light sensitive means in either circuit in the transverse motor whereby the tool may be moved either to'the work or from the work, depending upon the circuit so energized by the light source. t

7. In combination in a means of controlling the application of a tool to a work piece in a machine tool, means for normally operating the tool by moving it longitudinally of the work, means for moving the tool to and from the work, means including a motor and an electric circuit to move the tool inwardly or outwardly with relation to the work, means for admitting'light for energizing electric circuits to cause said tool to move either inwardly or outwardly from the work, such means for admitting light being controlled according to the in and out configuration of the work to be produced.

8. In combination in a means of controlling the application of a tool to a work piece in a machine tool, means for normally operating the tool by moving it longitudinally of the work,

means for moving the tool to and from the work,

means for admitting light for energizing electric circuits to cause said tool to move either inwardly or outwardly from the work, such means for admitting light being controlled according to the in andout configuration of the work to be in which it is desired to cut the work piece by r the tool, a light sensitive means in the respective second and third circuits, 2. light source and means controlled by the form of the template as the tool moves relative to the work piece to control said light source whereby when the light source is concealed, the first circuit is operative and the tool moves longitudinally, and when the light source is exposed to either of the light sensitive means in the second and third circuits, the first mentioned circuit is inoperative and the tool either moves inwardly or outwardly to and from the work according to the circuit so energized.

10. In combination, in a machine tool adapted to rotate a work piece and having a tool for engaging with the work piece to impart a configuration to it, of a motor adapted to move the tool longitudinally and a pair of magnetic clutches alternately engageable in circuit with the motor for determining the direction of iongitudinal movement, a motor adapted to" move the tool transversely having a circuit with two magnetic clutches adapted to be alternately engaged for determining the direction of in and out movement of the tool, light sensitive means in the last mentioned circuit adapted to alternately control the respective magnetic'clutches,

, a light source, a shutter adapted to conceal the light source or admit light therefrom to either of the said light sensitive means, a template and a follower pin adapted to operate said shutter according to the movements of the pin imparted to it by the template. 11. In a mechanism for controlling an apparatus according to the form of a template, a template, a follower pin, a shutter moved according to the configurations of the template, a light source concealed by said shutter and having means in the shutter for permitting the exit of light from said light source, and light sensitive cells associated therewith having circuits energized according to the position of the shutter.

12. In combination, in a mechanism for controlling an apparatus according to the form of a template, a template, a rocking follower pin, a shutter mounted therein and reciprocated thereby having apertures therein, an enclosure for registering apertures therein, a light source in said enclosure and light sensitive cells arranged so that when the shutter openings register with the enclosure openings in their respective groups,

the associated cells will receive light from said light source, said shutter being adapted to completelycut off the light from making its exit from the enclosure.

13. In combination, in a mechanism for controlling an apparatus according to the form of a template, a template, a follower pin, a light source, a mirror operated by saidfollower pin and light sensitive means adapted to be alternately energized by the direction through the mirror of light from the light source thereto.

14. In combination, in a mechanism'for controlling an apparatus according to the form of a template, a template, a follower pin, a light source, a mirror operated by said follower pin and light sensitive means adapted to be alter nately energized by the direction through the mirror of light from the light source thereto, and lens means for amplifying and directing the light to and from the mirror.

15. In combination, in a mechanism for controlling an apparatus according to the form of a template, a template, a follower 'pin rocked thereby, a pair of mirror surfaces rocked by said 'follower pin adapted to alternately direct a light beam, spaced photo-electric tubes adapted to receive a light beam from the respective mirror.

faces and a light source for said mirror.

16. In combination, in a mechanism for controlling an apparatus according to the form of a template, a template, a follower pin rocked thereby, a pair of mirror surfaces rocked by said follower pin adapted to alternately direct a light beam, spaced photo-electric tubes adapted to receive a light beam from the respective mirror faces and a light source for said mirror, and means for enclosing said light source to direct it toward the mirrors and means for enclosing thelight sensitive means for collecting the light beam only when directed to it byits mirror.

17. In combination, in a mechanism for controlling an apparatus according to the form of a template, a template, a follower pin rocked there- 'by, a pair of mirror surfaces rocked by said follower pin adapted to alternately direct a light beam, spaced photo-electric tubes adapted to receive a light beam from the respective mirror faces and a light source 'for said mirror, and means for enclosing said light source to direct it toward the mirrors and means for enclosing the light sensitive means for collecting the light beam only when directed to it by its mirror, and lens.

, tric tube from said light source, a shutter having registering enclosures adapted to cut off said light source, and means actuated according to a predetermined form for regulating the application of said light source to energize the respective photo-electric tubes.

19. In combination in a circuit for the pur pose of controllingthe application of a tool to a workpiece, a high voltage circuit, a transformer therein, a low voltage circuit associated therewith, a grid glow tube in said voltage circuit, a light-sensitive tube in said low voltage circuit, a light source for directly energizing said light-sensitive tube, and power-operated means controlled by said circuit including said lightsensitive tube adapted to be operated when said tube is energized by said light source.

20. In combination in a circuit for the pur- 

